The Brazilian Society of Virology (SBV) yesterday, May 25, confirmed the identification of a new Brazilian coronavirus strain, denominated P4. According to the SBV, the variant has the L452R mutation in the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. According to the SBV, the new variant has been circulating in the region of the São Paulo cities of Mococa, Caconde, and Itapira (close to the border with Minas Gerais), and also in the region of Porto Ferreira .
The L452R mutation in the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 is found in all three sub-lineages of the Indian variant B.1.617 – B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3. There is still no data on whether the new P.4 strain is more transmissible or more lethal than other strains.
The variant of the SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus was detected for the first time in a sample taken in the municipality of Mococa, which is located in the northeast of the state of Sao Paulo.
In addition to Mococa, coronavirus cases caused by the P.4 strain have been registered in municipalities such as Cesário Lange, Porto Ferreira, Santa Cruz das Palmeiras, Tambaú, Itirapina, Rio Claro, Araras, Sumaré, Caconde, Iperó, Capão Bonito , São Miguel Arcanjo, Itapetininga y Descalvado , all located in Sao Paulo.
